Ventricular tachycardia after application of erythromycin in a newborn with congenital complete av-block

This report is on a newborn with congenital complete av-block due to a maternal collagenosis. The intravenous application of erythromycin produced premature ventricular beats and non sustained ventricular tachycardias by prolongation of the QT interval. After discontinuation of the erythromycin application, the QT-interval normalised. Conclusion: In atrioventricular conduction disorders with severe bradycardia and prolongation of the QT interval, the application of erythromycin - if unavoidable - should be managed by slow intravenous infusion and with permanent ECG monitoring.